Finally, carmakers are betting that Americans are ready to junk the trunk.Jamie Lincoln Kitmanbreaks down our 10 favorite hatchbacks of the momentBYJAMIE LINCOLN KITMAN

The hatch is back.Routine best sellers in Europe since the '60s, the hatchback had a moment in this country once, but carmakers treated the genus like it was imported sardines, the acquired taste of cheapskate oddballs, i.e. Europeans, that ran against the grain of American exceptionalism. Sorry, Hans, we just like our trunks, and that's all there is to it, even if they make our cars less efficient, harder to park, and less practical.But now, thanks to stricter fuel economy regulations, the consolidation of international model lineups, and marketers finally wising up to the decades of cutting-edge kids who took the few hatches we did get seriously, they're suddenly hatching so many hatchbacks that there's a flock among which to choose.

Fiat 500If you thought Mini and the New Beetle cornered the market on cute remakes of the iconic small cars of yesteryear, guess again: All signs are the Fiat 500, already a Continental blockbuster, will receive a rapturous welcome when it arrives in December. Time will tell if Fiat's chancy reputation for reliability can be kicked, but here's hoping this safe, fun urban warrior is up to the combat challenge of American roads.

Honda FitA packaging marvel, the Fit has been a hit for Honda since the moment it landed on American shores. The Fit is an amusing drive, and it harkens back to when Honda was the first name in automotive efficiency, before it got hung up on artery-clogging trucks and utes, back when it was, pardon the expression, truly fit.

Mazda MAZDA2/Ford FiestaFord still owns a small chunk of Mazda, and the results of their collaboration on their new extra-small cars are excellent. We like them both for their sharp steering and for striking the right balance between ride and handling. The Fiesta (bottom) has the upper hand in economy, with its 40-mpg possibilities. But, the MAZDA2, a good two-hundred pounds lighter, is that little bit more agile.

Mini CooperThe retro design craze may no longer charm the way it once did, but the Mini remains high in the first tier of driver's hatchbacks. Those looking for serious cargo space will have to look elsewhere, but on the open road, all that smallness melts away, and in an urban environment and it earns the gold in the parallel-parking Olympics. Right-sized, and now a real fuel-economy champ, it's the urban warrior's choice.

Subaru ImprezaWith the virtue of four-wheel drive, the Impreza is the ideal inclement-weather car; its WRX variant is the same, plus monster turbocharged horsepower and raced-up suspension and tires. This is our favorite Subaru, especially now that the Legacy models have grown large enough to be mistaken for Trailblazers.

Volkswagen GolfThe Golf has long been one of the world's best-selling hatches. We'd splurge for the GTI: With its turbocharged 2.0-liter four, allied to a brilliant dual-clutch gearbox, the GTI is quick and smooth, with plenty of space for five occupants and their luggage. As a more utilitarian alternative to a small sports car, it can't be beat.

Nissan VersaThank Nissan's French corporate partner Renault for the Versa, the hatchback bargain of the young century, starting at just $13,520. The handling isn't sports-car sharp, but the overstuffed seats and delicious, loping ride are best in class. The styling may be a little Franco-strange, but inside it's so roomy and the view so panoramic, you'll quickly forget that. Cheap never felt so good.

Volvo C30Volvo has new Chinese owners, but the intriguing C30 remains a uniquely Swedish take on the hatchback theme, not to mention the best-looking Volvo in years. Some will be put off by the price ($26,600 base) and the strict four-place seating, but the C30 really does offer value its cheaper competitors don't. It's a supremely pleasant, airy place to pass big miles, with an essential quiet smoothness, substantial build quality and composed ride.

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